The Spaniard on Monday had to withstand a torrent of questions about co-owner Tom Hicks, Chelsea's perceived interest in Steven Gerrard plus the futures of both himself and Blues counterpart Avram Grant.

And although Benitez does not see eye to eye with Rick Parry on a lot of things, he was more than happy to adopt the reference from his chief executive last week when the club's off-field turmoil took centre stage.

Hicks, who has become public enemy number one amongst Liverpool fans, will be in the directors' box at Anfield tomorrow for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea - his first appearance there this season with the ownership battle raging.

But Benitez was determined to distance himself from any more intrigue with a May final in Moscow tantalisingly close.

For Benitez, negotiating this semi-final - the third time he has faced Chelsea at this stage in his time as Anfield boss - is now all important.

With Gerrard declared fit after a neck injury, Benitez was in robust mood ahead of the showdown with the much-maligned Grant and a Chelsea side still aiming for the Premier League title as well as the Champions League.

Benitez said: "We will not be distracted by things 'off the pitch'. The players are focused on the football and our fans will do the same, they will only be concerned about helping us.

"I believe that from the very start we will have the supporters right behind us.

"They will not be thinking too much about who is in the directors' box, they will only be concerned about what we are doing on the pitch.

"The key, as always, will be small details. The teams are very much the same as in previous semi-finals, we all know what to expect.

"There are some new names, and for Chelsea also. But the spines of the two teams are very similar.

"But I know we have better players and a better squad than in previous semi-finals, and we are playing well."

Twice in recent years Liverpool have finished triumphant after European semi-finals with the men from west London. Previously the second legs have been at an intimidating Anfield at it's most vociferous.

Benitez said: "It will be tough, tight and difficult for both. I do not see it being a very open game because they are good in defence and we are too.

"Chelsea are always a strong team. But it is clear in the last months that we have improved and progressed. We have a lot of confidence.

"I will see Avram Grant on the pitch, and after the match I will be happy to talk to anyone (Hicks).

"I will be more concerned with the problems on the pitch and controlling the Chelsea players.

"And the players feel the same. You cannot think or talk about other things because it is better not to, you need to be more focused on the match and maybe that will help us."

He added: "As for me, I am as focused as before. Now it is easier because we have such a big game.

"I have enjoyed being manager here from the first day, and I will try to do that for a long time. To do that I need to win games and prepare the team for winning.

"My future is to win tomorrow and then I want to stay here for a long time.

"It is massive for this club to be in a third Champions League semi-final. It means so much for our supporters, particularly fans in other countries to see their team at this level again."

And as for Grant's recorded remarks envying Gerrard's continued presence at Anfield, the Spaniard was equally dismissive.

He said: "I feel that what Avram said about Gerrard was misunderstood. If you were to say to me what did I think of Lampard or Drogba I would obviously say they were very good players.

"Everybody knows that. Gerrard is a key player for us and of course if someone asks Avram about him then he would obviously say what a good player he is.

"The same thing happened in Milan when people asked the Inter coach if he liked Gerrard, and again when we played Arsenal, the same question.

"I just hope that people will be asking the same thing of Barcelona or Manchester United for the final.

"Steven is a fantastic player, focused, committed. His career with Liverpool is 100%, we do not have any problem with him."

But Benitez was still keen to cut away the 'side-shows' and concentrate on Liverpool's future.

He said: "I understand Liverpool's history and what it means to win in Europe. We have to be one of the top sides in the world.

"When you go to Asia and see our supporters, such games are so important for us because those fans understand how important Europe is to us.

"Gerrard is a key player for us, and when he scores the winner in the semi-final maybe Chelsea will see even more how important he is for us."